NHS Ayrshire & Arran Sheds Light on Menopause and Cardiovascular Health During World Menopause Month

The National Health Service Ayrshire & Arran is seizing this opportunity to initiate discussions around menopause and its potential impact on cardiovascular disease.

As per the Reports, this month of October is marked as World Menopause Month, and this year’s focus is on cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, including angina, heart attacks, and stroke.

 The revealed reports have claimed that approximately 100,000 women in Scotland live with cardiovascular disease, making it one of the leading causes of death for women across the country. 

Despite this alarming statistic, women’s heart attacks and heart disease are frequently underestimated and undertreated compared to their male counterparts.

Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health at NHS Ayrshire & Arran, elucidates, “Pre-menopause, women typically have a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. However, after menopause, this risk escalates. Estrogen, a hormone, is crucial in regulating a woman’s menstrual cycle. 

It also offers protection against heart disease by managing cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of blood vessel narrowing.”

She further explains, “During and after menopause, a woman’s estrogen production gradually decreases. This decline can heighten the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.”

Numerous factors contribute to a woman’s susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, including smoking, excess weight, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and insufficient physical activity. 

Lynne emphasizes the importance of awareness, stating, “Women should be aware of these risk factors and take proactive steps to manage them, thereby reducing the risk of future heart attacks. 

A healthy lifestyle, encompassing a balanced diet, regular exercise, quality sleep, and stress reduction, forms the foundation for minimizing menopausal symptoms and maintaining heart health.”

In celebration of World Menopause Month, NHS Ayrshire & Arran has joined forces with KA Leisure to promote their ‘Ready steady menopause’ campaign, highlighting how changing hormone levels can influence heart health. 

Throughout October, the KA Leisure Activator vehicle will be stationed at various Ayrshire venues from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering menopause-related health advice and complimentary checks for blood pressure, blood cholesterol, glucose levels, and body composition.

Here are the scheduled venues for October:

– Monday, October 9th – Morrisons, West Langlands Street, Kilmarnock KA1 2PY

– Monday, October 23rd – ASDA, Rivergate Shopping Centre, Irvine, KA12 8EH

– Monday, October 30th – ASDA, Ayr, Heathfield Retail Park, Ayr KA8 9BF

Residents are encouraged to visit these locations for valuable insights and health assessments. The message is clear: Know your risks, take action, and be prepared.

For more information about menopause, people can also visit the NHS Inform website and NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Sexual Health service website, shayr.com.